JPH02136716A - Flow rate measuring apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To treat a weeding killer safely by selecting a test time so that the weed-killer does not reach a semicircularly shaped curved part near an exit during the test time. CONSTITUTION: A device has semicircularly shaped curved parts 30 and 36 at a channel between a flow-in part 20 and a flow-out part 22 and a vent hole 32 that is connected to the flow-in part 20 at the curved part 30 near the flow- out part 22 in a housing 18 for measuring flow rate in a fluid pipe. Also, scale edges 26 and 28 are provided at a U-pipe 24 of the channel and the wall part of the housing 18 has a transparent region 34 for monitoring a level. Then, a weed-killer flows into the device by a test and time operation that is selected to prevent reaching the curved part 30 in advance continues. When the time ends, the weed-killer reaching the device is compared with a reference amount and is adjusted. Then, the weed-killer cannot be disposed of by the test, thus avoiding damage to plants and risk for humans and animals.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for measuring the flow rate in a fluid conduit, and in particular to a device for measuring the flow rate in a fluid conduit, such as used for the purpose of calibrating a herbicide delivery device. Concerning a measuring device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Herbicides formulated according to different formulations have different properties. In particular, they differ in their tackiness. Therefore, if the herbicide enters a sprayer for spraying the herbicide onto the soil through a restrictor, the flow rate of herbicide through the restrictor will not be the same for two different formulations. . Furthermore, even when each device is ostensibly regulated to the same flow rate, the herbicide flow rate varies from device to device. The herbicide flow rate depends on the properties of the herbicide,
Depending on the extent of the weed population to be controlled, the area of application and the speed with which the device moves over the ground, it must be addressed.

Modern herbicides are so effective that very small amounts of undiluted herbicide are often used rather than the highly diluted formulations used in the past. The result: maximum potency and efficiency.

First, the rate of herbicide release from the release device must be controlled very precisely, and relying solely on crude adjustments of the device as is customary is inadequate. Conventionally,
In order to set a precise flow rate by operating the dispensing device, the dispensing device is calibrated and dispenses liquid into a measuring jar. The discharging device is operated for a predetermined period of time, for example one minute, and the amount of liquid discharged into the measuring jar is then measured;
Calculations are made to determine the actual flow rate of herbicide based on them. The device is then adjusted and the operation repeated until the desired flow rate is obtained.

A problem with this procedure is the need to dispose of the large amount of herbicide released into the metering jar. Current herbicides are expensive, so it is uneconomical to simply throw them away. Furthermore, herbicides must be disposed of if there is a risk of undesirable damage to plants or danger to humans or animals. Safely disposing of herbicides can be a special problem for those who apply herbicides away from proper waste treatment facilities, where there are no suitable treatment facilities nearby.

These problems are particularly acute when the spray herbicide is packaged in a package that has a small outlet for connection to a dispensing device but no refill holes or other features.

British Patent Application No. 8715'222 discloses a calibrated container which is removably attached to a fluid ejection device for measuring the ejection rate. The fluid collected in the container at the end of this test can be returned to the original container through the discharge device. However, the calibration container in this known device is separate from the discharge container.

As a result, the discharge container risks being misplaced. There is also the inconvenience of having to clean the container as well as the discharge device.

(Means and effects for solving the problem) The flow rate measuring device of the present invention is a device for measuring the flow rate in a fluid pipe, and includes:
an inlet and an outlet connected to the fluid pipe; and a fluid passage defined between the inlet and the outlet with two semicircular curved portions, the half of which is closer to the outlet along the fluid passage. The arcuate curve communicates with the inlet through a vent that bypasses the semicircular curve closer to the inlet along the fluid path.

When the device is used to meter the flow of herbicide through a portable discharge device, the device is disposed in a fluid conduit leading to the spray head, with its inlet at a higher level than the outlet. .

The device is operated such that a fluid, such as a herbicide, flows down toward the spray nozzle. The herbicide is allowed to flow to the inlet of the metering device, and the device is then allowed to continue operating for a predetermined period of time, such as 30 seconds. This time is chosen such that, at normal flow rates, during the test the herbicide does not reach the semicircular bend near the outlet, so that the herbicide does not flow to the spray nozzle.

At the end of the predetermined time period, the flow in the fluid conduit is terminated and the herbicide reaching the measuring device is compared to a reference amount matching the desired flow rate. If the actual 1 differs from the reference amount, appropriate adjustments to the measuring device are made and the test is repeated.

The flow measuring device of the invention may be operated until a predetermined amount of fluid enters the measuring device. In this case, the flow rate is measured by the time required for the flow rate.

For ease of use, the measuring container preferably includes transparent walls or is constructed entirely of transparent material. By doing so, the level of herbicide in the measuring device is immediately ascertained. The transparent wall advantageously becomes a scale edge of the measuring device extending between the inlet and the semi-circular curve in the vicinity of the inlet.

The device has a housing that defines a partitioned space;
A large part of the housing may extend between the inlet and a semi-circular curve proximate to the inlet, forming a scale edge of the measuring device. The scale edge between the two-handed circular arc-shaped curved portion and the scale edge extending from the semi-circular curved portion on the downstream side to the outlet are as follows:
It may also be constituted by two graduation edges of one U-tube. In this case, the ventilation hole is constituted by a hole in the bend of the U-tube.

Preferably, the flow measuring device is incorporated into a portable dispensing device.

According to the flow rate measurement device of the present invention, a portable liquid ejection device is provided by being incorporated into such a portable ejection device, and the liquid ejection device can be attached to a handset,
The ejection device further includes a spray head and a tubular member connecting them and partially defining a flow path for the fluid disposed in the flow path. have the means to decide.

In a preferred embodiment of the liquid ejection device, the means for determining the flow rate may be provided directly within the tubular member. The tubular member has a scale visible to the operator of the device that allows the operator to determine the flow rate through the tubular member at a given time, thereby determining the flow rate.

Preferred embodiments of such a liquid ejection device or the flow measuring device of the invention may include at least one electronic calibration device. Such devices generate regular signals, such as electronic beeps (bleeps), which assist in measuring time.

Additionally or alternatively, the measuring device or means for determining the flow rate may include an electronic calibration device. For example, the device may have a float that activates an electrical or electronic circuit when the time required for a given flow rate to flow is measured, and at the beginning of the test or when the given flow rate is determined. When entering the equipment, it causes the generation of sound.

In an improvement of the invention, the device is described in British Patent Application No. 8821
719, no. It is operated depending on the variation of the movement of the During the calibration of such a device, the speed sensing device is made to generate an audible sound each time the device moves a predetermined distance (e.g. corresponding to one revolution of the wheel).

These sounds can be used to determine whether the required flow rate is obtained from the supply pump while moving a predetermined distance.

The measuring device is calibrated to allow comparisons to be made between the actual amount of herbicide entering the measuring device and the reference amount during the test. However, since different herbicides and different weed population levels require different herbicide flow rates, it is desirable to use a measuring device with separate scales for each type of herbicide. In such cases, a package containing a liquid or other fluid material having a calibrated scale used in conjunction with a measuring device to establish a predetermined amount of liquid or other fluid material may be used. used.

For example, the scale is constituted by a base material such as a card,
Appropriate information will be printed on top of it. Alternatively, the scale may be printed on an adhesive label. The label may be affixed to a part of the package not involved in the storage of the contents, for example a container containing a liquid or other fluid substance, by suitable means, for example perforations. . It may be housed in an envelope attached to the package.

If a calibrated scale is provided on the card, the card has several calibrated scales for different purposes. For example, the graduated scale may relate to different degrees of weed population to be controlled, different widths of spraying, and different speeds at which the discharge device is moved along the ground.

Measuring devices used with such calibrated scales are, of course, provided with suitable means for retaining the calibrated scales on the measuring device.

(Example) The present invention will be described below with reference to Examples.

The device shown in FIG. 1 comprises a spray head 2 with an electric spreader 4 in the form of a disk. The spray head 2 is connected by a support tube 8 to a handset. The handset 6 is connected via a flexible tube 10 to a container of the herbicide to be released. The handset 6 also has various control devices, such as knobs 12 and 13 for controlling the flow of herbicide to the spray head 2 and the rotational speed of the disc-shaped sprayer 4. The knob 13 is connected to electrical control means for adjusting the speed of the disc-shaped sprayer 4. If fluid is supplied to the spray head 2 by a pump (not shown), the knob 12 is needed to control the speed of that pump. If fluid is supplied to the head 2 by gravity, the knob 12 is not needed. Various restrictions are then placed on the flow path.

In normal operation, trigger 14 acts to open a valve in handset 6 to allow herbicide to flow through tube 10. The herbicide is passed along a further tube housed in the support tube 8 to the spray nozzle 2;
From there it is ejected as a series of droplets by a disc-shaped diffuser 4. By appropriate adjustment of the control device 13 the sparge 4
It is possible to vary the speed of rotation of the sprayer and, as a result, the width of the spray. To the spray.

The flow rate of the herbicide towards the channel 2 is regulated by various restriction means placed, for example, in the flow path.

For example, the speed of the disk-shaped spreader 4 is 2 feet (0,
6 m).

Depending on the practical speed chosen, the flow rate to head 2 is:
For each area covered, the flow is adjusted to provide a precise dose of herbicide appropriate for the weeds to be controlled within that area.

Before starting spraying, it is desirable to check whether the flow m actually supplied to the head 2 corresponds to the flow required to achieve the required dose for each area. For this purpose, a measuring device is provided in the fluid line between the handset 6 and the spray head 2, which is shown in detail in FIG. - By way of example, this measuring device may be housed in a tubular member 16 projecting from the handset 6.

It is not limited to such a location, but may be provided at another location within the support tube 8, or may be provided outside the support tube 8. Measuring devices must be provided downstream of the various flow restrictors. And the measuring device and limiter are
Separation may occur on the support tube 8 or at any location along the support tube 8 . In a preferred embodiment, the measuring device is provided at the lower end of the support tube 8 close to the spray head 2.

This is to reduce the possibility of air entering the system at low flow rates.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of essential parts of a more preferred embodiment of the device. The housing 41 is located within a cover 42 which defines a gap therebetween and an outlet graduation edge.

Fluid flows into the housing 41 from its upper end, then through the gap 41 a in the outer surface of the housing 41 into the passage defined by the groove 41 b and into the inner surface of the cover 42 . Fluid then flows through outlet 42a. Outlet 42a is in fluid communication with a spray head (not shown). The vent hole 41c is provided for the same purpose as the vent hole 32 shown in FIG. Housing 41 and cover 42
are connected to a variable restrictor 44 located downstream thereof and having a thumbscrew that is used to vary the flow rate at which fluid is passed to the spray head. The housing 41, cover 42 and variable restrictor 44 are joined by injection molded housings 46a and 4 having viewing windows 48 for monitoring the level of liquid within the housing 41.
6b. Each casing 46a and 46b is connected to the downstream end of the tubular member 8 and is directly connected to a spray head and a motor (not shown) for driving it.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the measuring device includes an inlet 20
The housing 18 has an outlet 22 at the opposite end thereof. The inflow section 20 and the outflow section 22 are fitted with flexible tubes for introducing and discharging the herbicide into and out of the measuring device.

The outflow portion 22 is located within the housing 18.
- connected to tube 24; The U-tube 24 has two graduation edges 2 which are interconnected by a semi-circular curved section 30.
6 and 28 are attached.

A vent hole 3 is provided in the semicircular curved portion 30 of the U-tube 24.
2 is provided. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, vent 32 is sealed by a valve that is opened by the user of the device. The wall of the housing 18 has a transparent area 34 that allows viewing of the level of fluid within the housing 18, as described below.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the measuring device used during the flow test. The flow path between the inflow portion 20 and the outflow portion 22 includes two semicircular curved portions, namely a semicircular curved portion 36 and a semicircular curved portion 30 at the lower end of the scale edge 28. Being yourself is appreciated.

As a result, the fluid flow through the measuring device is directed through the bottom of the housing 18 as it is placed a third time.

In other words, it descends along the first scale edge 38, goes around the semicircular curved part 36, ascends the middle scale rim 28, goes around the other curved part 30, descends the scale rim 26, and reaches the outflow part. 22.

To calibrate the flow from the handset 6 to the hand 2, the measuring device is first filled by actuation with the depressed trigger 14 until fluid is visible through the transparent area 34 of the housing 18. The measuring device is then turned upside down and the head 2 is raised above the handset 6 with the support tube 8 substantially vertical.

As a result, the measuring device takes the form shown in FIG.

Bird -14 is then manipulated so that the liquid returns to the container through tube IO. The height of the liquid in the measuring device is 0
This continues until position X in FIG. 4 is reached, which may be considered as the position. The measuring device is then returned to its normal orientation (FIG. 3) and operated for a predetermined period of time on the order of 5 or 10 seconds. This predetermined time period is selected to prevent housing 18 from overflowing. During this time, a normal flow rate of liquid is assumed so that the liquid enters graduation edges 38 and 28 but does not pass over bend 30 to graduation edge 26. As the height within the scale rim 38 increases, no air is discharged through the vent hole 32 to the outlet 22. The ventilation hole 32 is
It is designed to be small enough to allow air to pass through, but to be virtually impermeable to liquids.

When a predetermined time of 5 or 10 seconds has elapsed, the flow measurement is accomplished. The measuring device is inverted into the position shown in FIG. 4 with the trigger 14 released. As a result, the valve is closed and the liquid flows into the tube lO
cannot flow through. Scale edges 38 and 2
The liquid in 8 then flows through the air hole 32, across the bend 30, and into the scale edge 26. At that time,
The level of liquid in the measuring device is read against the flow force, a scale engraved on the card 40 or printed on the card 40.

The card 40 can be attached to the device or housing 8 by any suitable means, such as a spring-loaded clip, a suitable guide member, etc.
Attached by adhesive. Card 40 is mounted adjacent transparent wall portion 34 .

Card 40 is shown in more detail in Figure 5.

The card 40 has scales printed on both sides corresponding to different levels of weed populations to be controlled. The scale is graded according to the width of the spray used and is related to the particular speed. As shown in Figure 5, the card is ZENN
Indicated to be suitable for use in conjunction with APROM®. The operator secures the card 40 to the housing 18 with the scale end proximate the transparent area 34 . As mentioned above, the spray width was adjusted to 2 feet (0,
6 m) and its speed is, for example, 2.5 mph, the operator measures the amount corresponding to the desired flow rate to head 2 in order to spray the appropriate herbicide dose m per unit area. Can be set within the device.

If the level of liquid in the device differs from that indicated by card 40, then the level
By depressing the trigger 14 until it returns to , the herbicide in the measuring device is returned to the container through the tube IO.

Appropriate adjustments are made by the control device 12 (or the various limiters 44 when using the device shown in FIG. 7). The test is then repeated as many times as necessary to obtain a satisfactory correlation between the actual level in the measuring device and the reference level indicated by card 40.

When an acceptable flow rate is achieved, normal atomization begins. FIG. 6 shows the measuring device during such normal operation. The herbicide fills the graduated edges 38 and 28 and overflows into the graduated edge 26 and passes through the outlet 22 to the head 2. Also, a small amount of herbicide flows from the rim 38 through the vent 32 directly into the bend 30. As mentioned above, if a valve is disposed in the vent 32, the valve functions to seal the vent 32 during this operation.

Therefore, even when the herbicide supply is exhausted, liquid will flow from the bulge rim 38 to the outlet 2 until the device is substantially empty.
2 is conducted by the siphon principle.

When cleaning the device, the presence of the intermediate scale edge 28 allows the cleaning fluid to completely purge the herbicide from the measuring device. This means that there is no possibility that the cleaning liquid will pass directly from the inlet 20 to the scale edge 26 and leave significant amounts of herbicide in the lower region of the housing 18.

FIG. 8 shows a more preferred example of a measuring device for use in the device of the present invention. This more preferred measuring device is based on the inlet 12
0, an outflow portion 122, and a housing 118 defining a partitioned space. This device is used to calibrate the flow rate in the same way as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4; Although it does not guarantee competitiveness, it is a more concise structure.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a more preferable example of the measuring device of the present invention. This measuring device has an inlet 220, an outlet 222, and a housing that defines a partitioned space.

The vent vibe 226 passes from the upper region of the compartment 224 to a point outside the compartment 224 that, in normal use, is disposed proximate the lowermost region of the compartment 224 . An outlet 228 is also provided at this point on the wall of the partitioned space 224. A three-way valve 230 connects the vent pipe 226 and the outlet 222.
located proximate the outlet 228 at the junction of the two.

During calibration, the device is used with valve 230 in the position shown in FIG. The liquid flows into the inflow section 22
0 into a partitioned space 224 with an outlet 228 that is sealed. Essentially, any air present (and any overflowing liquid) flows through vent 226 to valve 230 and is exhausted through outlet 222. For normal spraying operations to take place, when the measurement of the amount of liquid flowing into the partitioned space 224 is used as a calibration,
Valve 23 is in the correct position shown in Figure 1O.
0 can be adjusted. In this position the valve 230 is connected to the outlet 22
8 and the outflow part 222, and fluid flows between them. Liquid flowing into the partitioned space 224 is thus passed through the outlet 222 to the spray head.

A card 40 is supplied with each container of herbicide.

and provides a convenient means for achieving the desired flow rate without requiring the operator to make complex calculations or refer to separate tables. Thus, the operator only needs to know whether he is treating a small, medium, or large weed population and what spray width he is using. The desired flow rate will also vary depending on the rate at which the operator intends to cover the area being sprayed. Therefore, the card 40 is accurate to the specified walking speed of the operator. By fixing the card 40 directly to the measuring device, it is possible to directly set the quantity visible in the measuring device after the test cycle. If the same dispensing device is subsequently used to apply a different herbicide (or compound for purposes other than killing weeds), the operator must remove the ZENNAPRON card and replace it with the corresponding card from the new package. It only needs to be replaced. Of course, proper cleaning of the equipment is necessary before changing from one substance to another.

Although the use of card 40 has been disclosed with specific reference to the measurement devices shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 6, it may also be used with other measurement devices. In particular, similar cards can be used with graduated containers such as those disclosed in British Patent Application No. 8715222. Card 4 also supplied with packages of herbicides and other substances.
The use of 0 is not limited to setting desired flow rates.

For example, a liquid package is provided with a removable scale for use with a measuring container in order to obtain the required amount for dilution purposes. The card is therefore used in conjunction with a measuring device to dispense the concentrated product required to reach the correct dilution in the indicated amount of water. As a result, packages of concentrated herbicides
It has a removable card with scale scales showing different amounts of water. In a special embodiment of such a bag/cage, the measuring device has a cup placed in a squeezable container for the product, the cup being connected to the container by a tube extending from the bottom of the container. has been done.

A card, such as card 40 of the above embodiment, is provided in a package. It can be removed from the part of the package not involved in storage and is intended to be attached in close proximity to the measuring cup. Alternatively, it is mounted on the package in close proximity to the measuring cup. By squeezing the container, the product is discharged into the measuring cup until the required amount is present in the measuring cup.

The product is then poured from the measuring cup into a container, such as a watering can, where it is diluted with an appropriate amount of water.

4. Don't worry! Figure 1 shows a portable device for releasing herbicides.

FIG. 2 shows a measuring device of the present invention used in the device of FIG.

FIG. 3 shows the measuring device at the first stage of the test.

FIG. 4 shows the measuring device at another stage of the test.

FIG. 5 is a calibrated scale for use with the measuring device.

FIG. 6 shows the measuring device in normal operation.

FIG. 7 shows a more preferred embodiment of the measuring device of the invention, which is arranged in a liquid ejection device.

FIG. 8 shows another example of the fluid flow rate measuring means in the measuring device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows still another example of the fluid flow rate measuring means in the measuring device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation.

2... Spray head, 6... Handset, 8...
Support pipe, 18... Housing, 20... Inflow part, 2
2...Outflow part, 24...U-pipe, 26.28.38
...Scale edge, 30.36...Semicircular arc curved part, 3
2...Vent hole, 34...Transparent area, and above

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A device for measuring the flow rate in a fluid pipe, comprising an inlet and an outlet connected to the fluid pipe, and two semicircular curved parts defined between the inlet and the outlet. a fluid passageway, and a semicircular curved portion along the fluid passageway closer to the outlet provides an inlet through a vent bypassing the semicircular curved portion closer to the inlet along the fluidic passageway. A flow rate measuring device that communicates with. 2. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 1, having a transparent wall portion that allows the internal flow rate level to be visually confirmed. 3. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the transparent wall portion is provided between the inlet and the semicircular arc-shaped curved portion closer to the inlet. 4. The flow rate measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a housing that defines a partitioned space so that the inlet opens inward. 5. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the outlet is connected to a U-tube extending into the partitioned space. 6. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the vent hole is a hole in a curved part of a U-tube. 7. The housing has an outlet spaced apart from the inlet and a groove on an outer surface thereof, further defining a groove partially defining a flow passage between the housing and the housing. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 4, further comprising a cover arranged in a size that can cover the flow rate measuring device. 8. The flow rate of claim 2 having a plurality of calibrated scales selectively and removably affixed for correlating incoming fluid and preset liquid supply parameters. measuring device. 9. The graduated scale is provided on each card and is adapted to removably hold a selected card in close proximity to the transparent wall. The flow measuring device described. 10. Claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit is a liquid supply pipe that allows liquid to flow through the dispersion means of a liquid discharge device having a dispersion means, and is connected to the liquid discharge device via the liquid supply pipe.
The flow rate measuring device described in . 11. The liquid ejection device is portable and includes a handset, a spray head, and a tubular member communicating therebetween and at least partially defining a liquid flow path, and further comprising: 11. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 10, further comprising means for limiting the flow rate of the liquid, which is disposed in the flow rate measuring device. 12. The portable liquid dispensing device is provided with a liquid flow regulating means having a partitioned space disposed within the flow passage, and the amount of liquid flowing into the interior over a predetermined period of time is the measured flow rate. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 10. 13. In order to set a predetermined amount of liquid or other flowable material, a package containing the liquid or other flowable material and having a graduated scale can be used. Flow measurement device.